Disappointing Denny defeat by Melton

Post date: Oct 21, 2017 3:45:46 PM

IN AN exciting finish to the Denny Cup first round tie with Melton, Stamford lost overall by just three shots meaning they will play Grantham - beaten by Sleaford - in the Denny Plate in two weeks time.

The 21-end competition demands two rinks of four bowlers play at home while two rinks play at the away venue. Scores are exchanged by telephone every five ends, adding to the drama.

With three rinks completed Stamford trailed 75-77 with Simon Law's quartet of Paul Dalliday, Bob Warters and Neil Wright looking to extend their individual lead from 25-11 against John Robinson's four to take the overall match into a deciding end.

Robinson's men, however, picked up three shots leaving Law needing five to force an extra end. He was able only to collect two shots, leaving the match just out of Stamford's grasp at 77-80.

On an adjoining rink, Roger Martin's four rarely had a similar luxury of heads built in their favour against a very handy Melton four skipped by the irrepressible veteran Don Welch and suffered accordingly, losing by a dozen shots.

At Melton Martyn Dolby's four kept England international Les Gillett at bay with a 21-14 win while Paul Bailey's rink conceded shots in the closing ends, going down by 11.

A disappointing result for Stamford, whom with fresh faces introduced, were looking to go on a Cup run. And although the newcomers played their part, for an extended Plate campaign, selectors will have to look again at the overall team combinations to maximise home advantage.

Result (Stamford names first):

Denny Cup: Stamford 77 Melton 80. Home - J Holroyd, A Barnes, T Scarr, Roger Martin lost 12-24; P Dalliday, B Warters, N Wright, S Law won 27-14. Away - R Allam, D King, A Warrington, P Bailey lost 17-28; S Harris, M Humphreys, P Edwards, M Dolby won 21-14. Overall end by end: 15-21 (5 ends), 36-41 (10), 55-59 (15), 61-74 (18), 77-80 (21).